Province Releases Public Consultation Document for OMB Review October 12, 2016 Isaac Tang An overview of the key themes and proposed changes identified in the Province’s Public Consultation Document that will guide the government's review of the Ontario Municipal Board.
Richmond Hill and Parkland Dedication: Is the Municipality Entitled to Deference on the Alternate Requirement? September 19, 2016 Marc Kemerer A review of the Divisional Court’s recent decision dealing with the power of a municipality to establish an alternative rate for parkland dedication in its official plan and the question of whether the Ontario Municipal Board has the authority to impose an overall cap on the alternative requirement as part of the Board’s approval of the official plan.
Regulating Tall Building Setbacks in Downtown Toronto September 15, 2016 Sharmini Mahadevan An overview of the Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments being considered by the City of Toronto to establish specific minimum setbacks for tall buildings in downtown Toronto.
Failing to File Financial Statements Under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 June 24, 2016 Eric Davis Overview of changes to the requirements to file financial statements under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 that have come into effect as a result of the Municipal Elections Modernization Act, 2016.
City of Toronto Clamps Down on Medical Marihuana Dispensaries June 23, 2016 Peter Gross A discussion of the law applicable to medical marihuana and the City of Toronto's recent enforcement crackdown on dispensaries.
OMB Think Tank: Future Directions, Updates and Best Practices May 18, 2016 Joanna Wice A summary of the OBA's recent "Think Tank" dinner program hosted in partnership with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute, which focused on the OMB's current processes and prospects for the future.
Hirsch v. Ontario: (Re)Balancing Wind Energy Development Against Harm to Endangered Species? May 18, 2016 Laura Bisset and Kristine Gorman An analysis of the Environmental Review Tribunal's attempts to balance the goal of growing the renewable energy sector against the impacts of such growth on endangered and threatened species.
HABU and the Assessment Implications of Planning Applications April 22, 2016 Ian Andres A discussion of whether it is appropriate to base the current value assessment of property for tax purposes on an analysis of the highest and best use of the property.
Bill 73: Update on the Proposed Planning Act Regulations April 15, 2016 Katarzyna Sliwa An overview of proposed regulations to implement the Bill 73 changes to the Planning Act.
Case Comment: Ottawa (City) v. 267 O’Connor Limited February 23, 2016 Isaac Tang A review of a recent decision dealing with the issue of how much prescriptive detail is appropriate in an official plan.